OF DADS, SONS, DAUGHTERS…and “Grand”(Humbled) Dads
Apr 22
Christianity, Dads and Fathering, Generations, Grandfathers, Legacy, Parenting, Rites of Passage children, fathering, godliness, legacy, raising children, raising girls, Rite of Passage 5 Comments
Really, REALLY hard to get this post out. For all the right reasons. If I said “tears” or “thumping heart,” would it make sense? It does to me. And if you’ve been reading or take a few moments now to catch up on the last four or so posts, you’ll get it. It’s about Dads and Sons. Period. See, I’m a dad, sometimes “grand,” sometimes not. Now uncommonly humbled as the observer-participant of my oldest grandson’s Year of, then Week of, then Rite of PASSAGE.
I owe you fans who’ve been so encouraging (and demanding) that I post details of the night in the Big Log Lodge. Mostly you want to know what was said to Taylor and what his response was and how he responded to the questions posed in his wilderness quest.
I will. Soon (this is called a “teaser” in the promo business).
THIS IS THE WOMAN-TO-BE WHO SINGS TO GOD, AND EVERY SONG IS AN ORIGINAL.
We boys rediscoverd this the day before the Big Log Lodge nite. Brooke, somewhere between 8 and 16 years of age, had a tea party. Busy dad, distracted grandfather, harried brother all had to attend. It’s all in the power of the sly roll of the eyes, the hands on the hips. Where did she learn that?! Two neighborhood mothers, a few neighbor girls arrived for tea, cocoa, and crumpets of sorts, and they were all dressed up.
Oh, did I tell you we SERVED? Get the picture? Get the drift? Get the future portended? 
Cute, but there’s a sobering summary. Dad is her dad, too. She will marry the man who is most like him. How Matt treats her mother and the other girls is the man who sets the standards and the expectations. How “Popi” treats “Nani” fingures in, too. “Comlementary fathering” is our theme. We both play a role. With today’s longevities, I’ll be there to take part in her Country Cotillion or however it is that her mother and father take her across the threshold of being a captivating woman of modesty, purity, grace, and maturity in Christ.
So, men, this is the sidetrack with purpose. As fathers we model manhood to our girls. If you see that ideal man you may already be praying for as gentle, humble, wise, serving, and mature in the Lord, you’d better be living that model before her…NOW.
THEY DO WHAT THEY SEE: Are you modeling strenth, humility and godliness for her future husband?
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Apr 23, 2011 @ 06:03:50
AHA!!! Gary, you have hit the nail right on its head! Now, please tell the rest of the men in this world that they set the example of what a girl will look for in her husband! Aren’t you glad it didn’t work in the case of Carolyn’s father…or did it??? Hmmmm??? I don’t know the details. Lots to talk about here when we all get together at the ranch.
Miss you two terribly! Have a blessed Easter!
Apr 23, 2011 @ 07:19:57
I almost couldn’t figure out how to send a reply. Man, I have got to get this stuff under my belt!!
Thank-you Poppi for figuring her and all women into the picture. I know the day is coming to be specific in her transition, but for now role modelling and guiding her moving ship is a joy and a constant process.
Thanx for the reminder,
matt
Apr 23, 2011 @ 08:11:56
I feel warm and fuzzy inside. Seriously. The journey to godly womanhood begins now and, ironically, under the hand of her father who sets the cairns in place (Cari decorates them).
Apr 28, 2011 @ 02:18:42
Gary – I am just popping in here, so don’t have all the background, other than to resonate with your strong direction for fathers setting the tone for their daughters future. I have two daughters, now teens (one in college already!). They are both extraordinary – and very picky about boys. I hope I had something to do with that.
Apr 29, 2011 @ 06:00:53
Pop in now and then, Bradley. Today I edge up to the issue of life and death, the latter actually preceding the former. And it’s what do I care most about when I leave…LEGACY!